QNT051 09:00 2026-05-07 Haverhill, Suffolk to The Hive @ Exning Primary School, Exning, Newmarket, Suffolk
Suffolk County CouncilEstimated Value
Not specified
Deadline
Not specified
Published
10 June 2026
Type
services
Overview
Home to School Transport: QNT051 09:00 2026-05-07 Haverhill, Suffolk to The Hive @ Exning Primary School, Exning, Newmarket, Suffolk
AI Analysis
Powered by AI — always verify against official documents
Suffolk County Council is seeking a transport provider to run a daily home-to-school route for pupils with special educational needs. The service runs from Haverhill to The Hive @ Exning Primary School in Newmarket, departing at 09:00 on school days from May 2026.
Requirements
- Valid operator's licence for passenger transport (O-licence or equivalent)
- Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance for all staff
- Driver qualification: full JRCPT (passenger-carrying vehicle) PCV licence or equivalent
- Safeguarding training and awareness of special educational needs
- Insurance cover for school transport (employer's liability and public liability minimum)
- Health and Safety compliance and risk assessment procedures
- COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) compliance if applicable
- Ability to manage pupils with additional needs and behavioural support where required
- Vehicle meets DVSA standards and safety regulations for carrying children
Key Tasks & Deliverables
- Provide daily morning transport from Haverhill, Suffolk to The Hive @ Exning Primary School, Newmarket
- Depart Haverhill at 09:00 on each school day (term-time only, from May 2026)
- Transport pupils with special educational needs safely and on time
- Manage pick-up and drop-off points as specified by the council
- Maintain vehicle cleanliness and safety standards throughout the contract
- Keep accurate records of attendance and any incidents or safeguarding concerns
- Communicate with parents and school staff regarding any delays or issues
- Provide trained, vetted staff to accompany pupils if required by the council
How to Read This Tender
- 1This is a 'home to school transport' contract — it's specifically for children, so safeguarding and DBS clearance are non-negotiable. Check the full tender document for exact pupil numbers, any specific behavioural support needs, and whether you need an escort/supervisor on board.
- 2The date '2026-05-07' is the contract start date, not the closing date for bids. Look for the actual tender closing date and contract length (usually 1–3 years for school transport). Ask the council: is this a one-year contract or longer?
- 3Suffolk County Council will have detailed specifications in the full tender pack. Download it immediately and check: exact pick-up/drop-off addresses, number of pupils, timetable variations (e.g. holidays, inset days), and whether escorting staff are your responsibility or the council's.
- 4School transport contracts often include performance metrics like punctuality, attendance records, and safeguarding audits. Budget for DBS renewal costs, staff training, and potential vehicle maintenance.
- 5This is a public sector tender — responses must comply with the Public Contracts Regulations. Ensure your bid clearly addresses evaluation criteria (usually cost and quality weighted). Vague answers lose points.
Tips for Small Businesses
- Subcontracting opportunity: if you're a small operator without a full O-licence or vehicle fleet, approach established school transport providers and offer to act as a backup or niche service (e.g. handling pupils with complex needs). Alternatively, partner with another small operator to share vehicles and risk.
- Social value scoring matters: highlight any local hire, apprenticeships for drivers, or environmental commitments (e.g. low-emission vehicles, electric buses) in your bid. Suffolk councils often weight social value at 20–30%, so this can be a competitive edge for small businesses.
- Clarify all costs upfront with the council: ask whether they provide or reimburse fuel, maintenance, insurance, and staff supervision. School transport margins are typically tight, so get clear unit pricing per pupil per day before bidding. Request a meeting with the commissioning team to understand expectations.
Likely incumbents
Suppliers who won similar work from this buyer in the last 5 years.
- 1
Hawk Express Cabs Ltd
1 contract wonlatest 5 May 2026ends 1 May 2031£21,145
total awarded
Hawk Express Cabs Ltd is the most likely incumbent based on recency and category match. To win, bidders typically need a clearly differentiated proposition or a price advantage.
Before you bid, buyers check
two years of filed accountsyour financial standingturnover vs contract valueyour Companies House recordcash flow for 30-day termscredit scores and ratios
Actions
Sign up freeto open noticeA free account takes a moment and unlocks the buyer’s own notice, tender documents, fit scoring and the Bid Writer. From 1 September 2026 opening these links becomes £2/month membership.
Open Bid WriterIndependent software, web & cloud studio. We design, build and grow digital products that quietly outlast their category.
How to Apply
Step-by-step submission guide
Submission Portal
Procurement Portal
Open the original notice
Click the button below to view this tender on the official portal
Find submission instructions
Look for "How to apply" or "Submission" sections in the notice
Register on the portal
Create a free account on the buyer's procurement platform
Download tender documents
Download all specifications, templates, and pricing schedules
Submit before the deadline
Complete all documents and submit through the portal — do not email unless explicitly instructed
Always check the official notice for the exact submission method and deadline.
A free account takes a moment and unlocks the buyer’s own notice, tender documents, fit scoring and the Bid Writer. From 1 September 2026 opening these links becomes £2/month membership.
Buyer Profile
SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCILKey Dates
Published
10 June 2026
Submission deadline
Not specified
Notice type
opportunity
Source
ted eu
Related Contracts
Taxi and MPV (1-8 seats) passenger assistant - taxi and MPV (1-8 seats) passenger assistant
The council is looking for a transport provider to run a daily school taxi service using a six‑seat MPV, with a passenger assistant on board, between three pickup points and Wallands School, Monday to Friday.
Peer-led harm reduction programme
Camden Council is looking for a provider to run a Peer‑Led Harm Reduction Programme that helps residents who use substances, using peer‑led support to lower harm and boost engagement with treatment and health services.
SPS-02372 conservation strategy for selected SPS historic estate assets
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) requires a suitably qualified multidisciplinary supplier to prepare three (3) Conservation Strategies for selected historic assets across its esta
Vehicle conversions
The Scottish Ambulance Service is warning suppliers about a future project to convert and fit‑out specialist ambulance vehicles, and is gathering market intelligence on firms that can handle medium‑ to high‑volume conversions.